How Can Your Country Serve You?

Veterans Day is a national holiday set aside to honor those that have contributed to their country through the armed forces. Sadly, after leaving physical battlefields many continue to fight mental and emotional battles.

According to Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), approximately 200,000 men and women transition out of active-duty service and return to civilian life. The transition from active-duty to civilian life can be burdensome due to a shift from a strong-bonded collective into a more individualized role into society through how people live, work, and interact with others. Studies indicate that 44 percent to 72 percent experience high levels of stress during transition from military to civilian life.

Data also suggests that approximately half of those who recently separated from military service may not immediately connect with available resources, benefits, and services. Without support, more complex behavioral health concerns might emerge.

Veterans aside, mental health conditions effect nearly one in five U.S. adults based on research from the National Institute of Mental Health.

It is crucial to recognize warning signs of varying mental health conditions but be aware that everyone reacts and adapts in different ways. If you or a loved one are experiencing the following, please seek guidance on if behavioral health support is needed.

·       Increased feeling of hopelessness

·       Increased feeling of unexplained guilt, shame, or sense of failure

·       Engaging in risky/dangerous situations with no consideration of risks

·       Increased use of alcohol or other substances

·       Lack of interest in activities or hobbies that you once enjoyed.

·       Isolation from friends and family

“The 988 Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States. We're committed to improving crisis services and advancing suicide prevention by empowering individuals, advancing professional best practices, and building awareness.”

 You can text 988 or visit their website here.

Most veteran trauma is present prior to enlistment depending on the upbringing and challenges faced.

Additionally, many resources presented are still facing their own challenges of being overserved, understaffed and under compensated.

So, the age-old question is after you’ve served your country, how can your country serve you?

One answer is through the world of psychedelics. Psychedelics (hallucinogens) are a class of psychoactive substances that produce changes in perception, mood, and cognitive processes. Psychedelics affect all the senses, altering a person’s thinking, sense of time and emotions. Additionally, psychedelics should be used as a tool to reach suppressed parts of the mind.

Linger Firm visited the Denver Psychedelic Convention at the end of September where a large focus was on the veteran population. You can read more about that in our previous blog, “Awareness. Healing. Integration” that recaps the Denver Psychedelic Convention and recent pop culture news.

Please note that psychedelics are currently only legal for medical use in the state of Oregon and is decriminalized in the state of Colorado. However, half of the states have began some sort of legislation around the use of psychedelics.